Custom Fiberglass Pool Design for a Stage-Integrated Worship Space
When Cherry Hills Church in Springfield, Illinois, renovated its Worship Center, the design team needed an accessible, elevated baptismal font that could be delivered through a 6-ft doorway and assembled in place. A standard pre-fabricated model wouldn’t fit the space or meet the design intent—so SwimEx® engineered a custom fiberglass pool to meet the site’s access constraints and deliver durable, long-term performance.
From Concept to Construction
Working with Design Mavens Architecture, led by Jenny Fuqua, SwimEx joined the design phase early to ensure the concept could be manufactured and installed within the site’s tight constraints.
“Recently our firm worked with a church client to redesign their worship center and relocate their baptistry. We quickly realized that a custom configuration would best serve our client, rather than choosing from a manufacturer’s standard catalog.
When we connected with SwimEx, Suzanne and her team were extremely helpful—engaging in multiple design-phase conversations about fabrication, filtration, drain locations, and more. They also collaborated seamlessly when we brought in a specialty vendor to incorporate an acrylic vision panel into the fiberglass baptistry.
During construction, SwimEx provided shop drawings, fabrication, and installation, so that the contractor’s plumber could simply connect water and waste lines. Their team was extremely professional, and I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to them for another custom fiberglass pool or baptistry in the future.”
— Jenny Fuqua, Design Mavens Architecture
SwimEx provided turn-key drawings and fabrication with on-site assembly support; the contractor completed water/waste (MEP) connections per approved submittals.
Design Integration and Coordination
The baptistry incorporates an acrylic viewing panel—introduced as a design feature to complement the worship space and maintain a clean, modern aesthetic—coordinated with a specialty partner for precise fit and structural integration.
During construction, the system shifted from a fill-and-drain layout to a continuously circulating pool. SwimEx provided revised submittals and coordination, ensuring the new system integrated seamlessly into the facility’s long-term vision.
Client Perspective
“SwimEx was fantastic to work with—enthusiastic, responsive, and truly excellent,” says Jenny Elliott, Missions Ministry Leader at Cherry Hills. “The final design fits perfectly. It’s beautiful, practical, and exactly what we envisioned.”
Ongoing Partnership from Design to Operation
From design to operation, SwimEx provides architects and facilities teams with clear coordination, responsive communication, and support for the life of the pool—so every project, regardless of space constraints or purpose, delivers lasting performance.
Related Insight
See how the same sectioned-delivery and on-site assembly method applies in other constrained commercial settings.